Category Archives: paper

11.11.10

The Power of Paper.


No matter how advanced technology becomes, nothing beats the warmth and thoughtfulness of an old-fashioned thank you note. Two things that I like to indulge in (among others) are personalized stationery and fresh flowers. They make me happy.

 
Check out these tips from Southern Living on the five key elements of a charming thank you note:
 
1. Start with the date and salutation: Send your note, written in black ink, within a week of receiving a gift.
2. Say thanks right off the bat: Be specific about why you are writing the note. If you’re thanking someone for a monetary gift, refer to their “generosity” rather than mentioning the amount.
3. Compliment the kind gesture: Don’t be afraid to go over the top—everyone loves an effusive compliment, as long as it’s heartfelt.
4. Allude to the future: Anticipate another get-together, or if you’re writing about a gift, be sure to tell them how you plan to use it.
5. Finish with sincere regards: Reiterate your gratitude, then close the letter on an intimate note, signing your first and last name. Don’t forget to proofread before you postmark!
Now that you’ve been schooled on the how to’s, pick yourself up some fresh stationery. Check out the top correspondence cards that made it onto Kiki’s List:

1. The Point Pattern– $68 for 20 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVE
2. Simply Classic Notecards– $12 for 8
3. Cable Knit Notecards-$65 for 25 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVE
4. Fuschia Notecard– $272 for 25
5. Wild Things Notecards-$58.50 for 25
6. Modern Vintage Notecards– $31 for 25
7. Letterpress Elephant Cards– $238 for 25 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVE
8. Orange with Pink Piping Notecards– $68 for 20 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVE
9. Herringbone Notecards– $65 for 25
10.Petal Pop Stationary-$448 for 50
11. Starfish Notecards– $60 for 24 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVE
12. Oaxaca Correspondence Cards– $238 for 25

10.12.10

5.


As many of you know, my baby girl turned five last month. For their birthdays, I let my kids pick the theme, then the rest is up to Momma. You can see her first four birthdays here. Believe it or not, you can have a character party with style. This year, she chose a Princess and the Frog theme. I aimed for a whimsical, bayou-esque feel. Since Tiana is a chef (and so is E, might I add) I focused on the cooking element. You will see this theme repeated in the invitations, as well as the favors.

 
We had an absolute blast. Below are some pictures of the event, as well as the How To’s.

Invitations– The Plum enclosures were on clearance at Paper Source.
Poms– Pom Love
Pinata– Pinata Queen
Goody Bags– 1. Aprons- Bought aprons here. Printed each child’s initial (lilac for girls, chartreuse for boys) on transfer paper and ironed on. 2. Tiana’s Cookbook 3. Frog Cookie Cutters
Photographs– James Woo
Games– Pin the Kiss on Naveen, Hot Frog, Freeze Dance
Flowers– Remember those darn candy jars from Lou’s party? They have once again been re-purposed. We wrapped them in ribbon and added an E sticker glued onto lilac card stock.
Music– Princess and the Frog Soundtrack, as well as some other Disney faves.
Candy Cups– Michael’s.  I created the labels from Paper Source‘s 2.5 inch labels.
 
A special thanks to my bestie, MJ, who slept over the night before the party to tie together loose ends. As usual, there were a lot more loose ends than I estimated… We were up until 1:30 am.. she arranged all of the flowers- and what an amazing job she did! I have the best friends in the world. A big fat kiss to all of you.. MWAH!

07.20.10

Yo Gabba Gabba!

My little Lou Lou bug turned two on May 1, and we had such a fun party. She is absolutely obsessed with Yo Gabba Gabba so of course, that was our theme. Nick Jr. gives you so many tools for projects, that it really was easy (but time-consuming.) We had a blast making everything. After posting the pictures, I was asked by many mommies about how I did it… Here are the details:

 

  • Bags: We bought the bags and transfer paper at Michael’s, and used the YGG Iron-Ons from Nick Jr.
  • Banner: I used a roll of fuchsia wrapping paper from Paper Source.
  • Jars: The jars are vases from Michael’s. 
  • Cut-Outs- I ordered the characters here. Then I needed to: 1.) Find foam board that was big enough 2.) Cut out the hole for the head and 3.)Painstakingly glue each character on the board. I wish I had not left this until the day before the party. (We used wooden stakes that we hammered into the ground to hold them up.)
  • Cake- The amazing Kristy Stone.
  • Cake Toppers- I paid about $30 for these at Christmas time. Apparently now, they are out of stock and are going for as much as $130.
  • Tee Shirts- Here.